Two-pronged vacation approach should fly

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/03/2022 (1592 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My family and I are at odds over what to do about the vacation we never had, because of COVID. We booked one during a “COVID window,” for us and our teenage girls, and then we couldn’t go, because it was too risky again.

I’m aware COVID is not over yet, and it’s possible it will amp up as people get careless, so instead I want to go to this beautiful place on Lake Winnipeg this summer, which is not overrun with thousands of people hanging all over each other. Besides, it’s within our borders for medical care if needed.

My wife is fed up. She’s siding with the kids and wants to somehow soon reclaim our lost vacation experience in another country.

— Unpopular Dad, Garden City

Dear Dad: It’s the either/or approach that’s causing your problem. Instead, put forward a “two-step, two-year” vacation plan. This summer the family goes to the place on Lake Winnipeg closer to Canadian medical help, if needed. Then, when COVID is truly tamed, you’ll go further away from home — possibly to the same destination you had to cancel.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I’m a guy of 53. After attending a dinner party at a couple’s place, I asked a woman who also attended the party out to dinner. (The hosts had been trying to connect us.) She’s 37.

At the dinner, we had a nice, long conversation. Then she excused herself after dessert, and sneakily paid the large bill.

I don’t know why she did that. It upset the balance of the date. I’d asked her out and wanted to treat her, and don’t know why she’d pull that move. She didn’t even discuss it with me.

I said, “Well then, I’ll pay the tip.” And, she said, “No need. I already did that!” My mouth dropped open.

Outside the restaurant, someone had just gotten out of a taxi. I gave the driver $30 cash and said, “Please take the lady home.” I heard from the mutual friends we had dinner with that she said I was rude to her on the date. Was I really?

— Old-Fashioned Guy, Bridgwater

Dear Old-Fashioned: When she sneaked off to pay the bill, she was probably giving you the message she didn’t want you to think she owed you anything.

If she wanted to be friends, she would probably have discussed splitting the bill with you. Instead, she chanced insulting you — and she certainly did.

This woman and you are definitely not a match. For one thing, she comes from a different generation. She’s younger and has a more modern take on dating and who pays the bill.

By the way, don’t let those friends match-make for you again, and don’t tell other dates about this incident to get their take on it. Onwards and upwards — look for more old-fashioned lady, closer to your own age and sensibility!

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: Over the winter I had a relationship with a woman who lives in my apartment block. When I broke up with her for being so difficult to get along with, she asked me if I’d be gentleman enough to move out!

She wanted me to give her back her privacy in the block.

What? She already has it back! We live in a large high-rise on different floors. I never see her unless she comes to my door to harangue me about moving out. What’s really bugging her is my new girlfriend also lives in the block.

Hey, what can I do? Nobody could go out the last two winters, and I’m a friendly guy. Besides, I really like my place.

— Refusing to Move Anywhere, Downtown

Dear Refusing: Boring your ex-girlfriend is your best move. Use the same line, in the same tone of voice whenever she makes contact. “I wish you well, but I’m not moving anywhere. Leave me alone now.“ If she asks you if you still have a girlfriend, your only smart answer is “yes, I do” even if that’s ended too.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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